Owners Jeff and Heath Ames announced late last year that the restaurant would be moving less than a block down Broadway into the previous Lillian’s Restaurant building, which they purchased for $2.2 million last November.

Advertisement

A full remodeling project began in January, and after a brief closure Cantina reopened for its first official day of business in the new spot on Monday.

“We’ve been busy every night. People seem to like the changes,” Jeff said. “The response has been really enthusiastic and positive.”

The new Cantina is similar, but more spacious, with all brand new decor. “I think it’s one of the best-looking restaurants around, for sure,” Jeff said, pleased with the work done by local company Bonacio Construction.

The restaurant’s menu has undergone some revamping, too.

“It was a time to freshen everything up, to brighten everything up — and I thought it was a really good time to try some new things on the menu,” Jeff said. “It’s a good time to try new things.”

The new menu, while keeping Cantina’s most popular items, features an expanded taco section. Some new taco offerings include fresh grilled octopus and, coming soon, tacos al pastor made with shawarma spit-grilled pork.

While the restaurant is open, the full project isn’t completely done yet. The second story is next up for renovation, with plans to be transformed into a private dining and event space.

“We have an incredible event space up there that I’m really looking forward to finishing, because I think there’s a demand for it on Broadway,” Jeff said.

Beyond that, Jeff hopes to work even higher up and eventually develop a rooftop bar.

For now though, the owners’ full focus is on getting the new restaurant location off the ground and running as smoothly as possible, and their goal is simple: “We’re looking forward to being here for a long time,” Jeff said.

Cantina is currently open for dinner only from 4 p.m. to close daily. The restaurant will return to its regular full service lunch and dinner hours sometime next week.

Cantina’s new patio area is expected to debut in the coming weeks.

As for Cantina’s former Broadway location, another restaurant is expected to open this fall, with details to be announced.